Cristiano Ronaldo will extend his stay at Real Madrid, according to his compatriot and team-mate Pepe

Pepe believes Cristiano Ronaldo will extend his stay at Real Madrid, but has expressed reservations about Jose Mourinho’s future at the Bernabéu.

“Cristiano is happy at Real Madrid and focused on helping the team. I’m sure he’ll renew his contract,” Pepe told Portuguese programme Grande Area, when asked about reports claiming that his team-mate didn’t want to commit extend his contract with the club, which runs out in 2015.

However, Pepe didn’t appear to be so convinced about Mourinho’s future: “I’m not sure what he’ll do. There are no certainties. The boss knows what the future holds for him, but I hope he stays because we need him.”

Asked about La Liga, he said: “It’s not about Barcelona being better, it’s about Madrid being worse.”

Speaking about the atmosphere in the Real Madrid dressing room, Pepe added: “At Madrid it’s like one big family. Our status is very high, but we’re all united because we know we have to be, otherwise we’re going nowhere.”

He also said Ronaldo was one of the most difficult players to stop. “For a central defender marking him is a nightmare because of his speed. You also have his change of pace, which is impressive. It’s difficult to keep up.”

For the best sports news from Spain without picking up a dictionary, visit www.as.com/english